Feeling even more anxious than usual!

For many years I have struggled with anxiety but it has never been to this point. I take Buspirone but really all that does is make me sleepy when I don't want to be. I know that my anxiety has mostly escalated because of these uncertain times but I am not sure what I can do to help myself. If you have anxiety as well, what do you find that helps you the best? Especially during this time of lockdown and crisis?

I don't really have a concrete answer. I am searching for a way to calm my anxiety as well. I take a handful of meds for it and bi-polar disorder buspirone being among them, two twice a day.

for me personally music helps. I'm able to zone out during certain playlists I've created. If you like any kind of crafting, video games or something like word games that can be distracting. Crafting helps me the most and I was just gifted a nintendo switch lite. I'm hoping a certain game(animal crossing)will help with getting through this time too. Finding something you love to do is always a good thing. Try something new that's low stress with no "big" goals except to have fun.

You're not alone in this, if you need to reach out to your mental health professional. I just had found a psychologist and she was able to do telemedicine so I talk to her every Wednesday morning. It helps! I hope you can find something that eases the anxiety. Hugs!

Melody-Thanks so much for your response, your suggestions and for the reminder of the healing power of music. I have to admit, I have not turned on music for quite a long time. Even in the car, I listen to talk radio. I will have to change that! I just learned about telemedicine a few days ago and would love to meet with a mental health professional so I will be looking into that. I think it's time. Hugs back!

I'm trying to limit my news intake to bare minimum. It's hard to do but worth it!

i also see my psychologist for binge eating disorder. I was lucky enough to see her in person once before the covid-19 lockdown. The video chatting is a little weird at first but you can also find ones you just type with. I love both my psychiatrist and psychologist. I truly believe we should not settle and keep searching for one that fits.

i think without music I'd lose even more of mind LOL

I don't suffer from a diagnosis of anxiety, but I am anxious for sure. I find that doing what I did normally before to be very comforting. I've kept my workout schedule, even getting up early when I don't always have to (thus, keeping my schedule the same). I also listen to music during the day and avoid all news until the evening. I also have been seeking out some online comedy (that's new). Search out things that you enjoy (new or old). I've been meaning to try some online yoga for beginners. That and some meditation breathing that I found on my Peloton ap. I hope you find peace. Good luck.

Thanks for your response ScaleSkater! Avoiding the news is a great idea and I just started doing that yesterday. I am not even signing on to Facebook or Twitter at this time. Comedy sounds like a good plan! I have a pretty routine schedule but it hasn't included "me" time or exercise. That is probably a big part of my problem. About a year ago,I bought a picture Yoga how-to book, a Yoga mat and a beginners tape and never touched them. I get in my own way sometimes. Maybe it's time to dig the stuff out. I appreciate hearing from you!

Yes getting out and moving has really helped me. I have also dove into the world of stand up. I really like raunchy comedy on Netflix. If you like that sort of thing Try Bert Kreisher "hey Big Boy" or Jo Koy" Live from Seattle" They are both done before this so it is mindless comedy.

Thanks so much for the suggestions Teenie!

I am so sorry you are struggling. I don't suffer from anxiety but we are living in exceptional times -- i imagine it is even harder on those of you that deal with anxiety regularly!

i use the calm app for meditation, and for help with sleep. I keep myself on the same General schedule now as I did before all this, including getting up and dressing for work, getting in my exercise, and I curate my news sources ruthlessly. I keep my twitter pretty light and fun by muting certain words and so twitter is a mental diversion for me. I'm also playing some mindless video games (best fiends) and doing puzzles.

it took me a bit to find what worked, the first couple days trapped after home I was pretty slug-like and that just made me depressed and gave me more time to get pulled into all the negative ratholes.

i hope you can find something that helps soothe you!!

Hi Jen-thank you for all of your suggestions! I will certainly look into the Calm app. I hear what you are saying about being pulled into the negative. That's exactly how it has felt for me. Finding what works for me in lockdown needs to be a priority, I can see that now. I appreciate that you took the time to respond!